**Core Concept**
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various organs, including the lungs, skin, and eyes. The exact pathogenesis of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it is believed to result from a dysregulated immune response to an unknown antigen.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Sarcoidosis typically presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest radiographs, and the granulomas are composed of CD4+ T lymphocytes, macrophages, and epithelioid cells. The disease can affect any organ, but the lungs, skin, and eyes are the most commonly involved. The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical and radiographic findings, supported by histopathological confirmation of non-caseating granulomas.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The statement that sarcoidosis is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma is incorrect because, although there is a theoretical risk, the actual incidence is low.

**Option B:** The assertion that sarcoidosis is caused by a viral infection is incorrect as the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis is believed to be autoimmune in nature, rather than infectious.

**Option C:** The claim that sarcoidosis is characterized by caseating granulomas is incorrect as sarcoidosis is specifically defined by the presence of non-caseating granulomas.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Sarcoidosis can mimic other diseases such as tuberculosis, lymphoma, and rheumatoid arthritis, and a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis.

**Correct Answer: C. The statement that sarcoidosis is characterized by caseating granulomas is incorrect as sarcoidosis is specifically defined by the presence of non-caseating granulomas.**